Arum Talks Pacquiao, Mayweather, Ariza Rumors, More

By Michael Marley

Promoter Bob Arum of Top Rank, while saying that Jeff Mayweather is factual about somebody wanting to bring the Floyd Mayweather vs. Manny Pacquiao to South Africa, also remarked Tuesday that "I'm not holding my breath" waiting for a follow up.

According to the 79-year-old promoter, an initial approach was made.

"I think the people who have contacted Jeff have come to us as well," Arum said. "But I don't know whether to put much stock into it because where it leads, where it goes, I am not sure.

"There has been no follow up, that's true. Whatever information you have about what Mayweather (Floyd's uncle, a trainer and a former Top Rank handled boxer) is saying is whatever you have. I have not spoken with Jeff Mayweather."

Arum also said there was some confusion about a date the South African interests would want to hold the fight, probably the richest in ring history. Former president and international icon Nelson Mandela, a boxer in his youth and still a big fan of the sport, turns age 93 on July 18.

"They mentioned November to us but Jeff is talking about the summer and saying July. Down there, November is in the summer."

Arum said the presence of Mandela's daughter at the recent Los Angeles press conference for Shane Mosley vs. Pacquiao, which takes place on May 7, may be related to the inquiry from South Africa.

In other Pacman news, Arum may have put the final kibosh on rumors about conditioning guru Alex Ariza walking the plank.

"I don't where this sh*t starts," Arum said. "Alex Ariza is 100 percent with Team Pacquiao. He's also 100 percent with Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. He's leaving in a day or two for the Philippines."

Arum said he plans to fly to Pacman's Baguio training camp on March 19. Ariza and world champ Amir Khan recently had a controversial separation.

[QUOTE=BesWorldChamp;10175137]I disagree with your logic. If Manny had the defense of Floyd Jr., what would've happened in his two fights with JMM? You can't "if ..., then..." the figher's abilities. They are what they are.[/QUOTE]
Bottom Line: Fraud knows he…

code red, thank you--floyd, not only took the shots flush, but he walked through them, tied shane up like he's supposed to, like he did with zab and corley and oscar and made shane pay for it--in the same round--floyd…

[QUOTE=tangalog2200;10176065]pac does make tons of mistakes...but the facts and his records prove that he can survive his tons of mistakes.....he can eat hard punches from very heavy opponents...but if pbf commits 1 or two mistakes with pac..i think he will…

[QUOTE=BesWorldChamp;10174777]Why would Floyd be the definite favorite if this fight happens?[/QUOTE]
Cause he's undefeated......
the odds will close A LOT once the pinoys start laying down $$$ on Pac though

[QUOTE=tangalog2200;10176065]pac does make tons of mistakes...but the facts and his records prove that he can survive his tons of mistakes.....he can eat hard punches from very heavy opponents...but if pbf commits 1 or two mistakes with pac..i think he will…